SS Pistol Woes

[sjezior]

Anyone else have problems with their Single Shot Harpers Ferry pistol not firing consistently?

Seems I'm not getting powder down to the cone after firing a few shots. Could powder get stuck on fouling or for whatever reason not get down to where the cap can set it off? To get the ball out, I've removed the clean out screw and poured powder there and it works (obviously not a solution for team events).

Could CCI caps not have enough spark to reach the main charge if the cone isn't full of powder?

I upped the charge to 35 from 20 grains and it works a bit better but not consistent. I tried both 2f and 3f.

I'm wondering if drilling out the nipple hole would help get the spark further down the chamber.

Appreciate any thoughts on fixing this!

[Harry Gaul]

This problem sounds like the hole in the breech area from the breech to the cone is above the threading of the cone. You might want to try to drill out the hole in the breech and see if that helps. Check the opening through the clean out screw first with a probe. I helped a reenactor who had an 1861 musket. Once I lowered the hole from the breech to the bolster, the musket fired beautifully with blanks. Go slow and you should find the sweet spot.

Harry in pa.
Forney's
03626v

[FirinFlatTop]

Try less powder, more is not always better.

[Gary B]

Switch to a Musket cap nipple. Much hotter.
Gary B